2017-2018 Sylva-Bay Academy Cheerleading Constitution 1. Purpose 1.1 It shall be the purpose of the Sylva-Bay squad to promote and uphold team spirit, to develop good sportsmanship by example, to support good relations in the community and between teams during events. 1.2 It is the purpose of the individual to contribute to the squad, promote squad unity, abide by the rules set forth in the constitution, and perform to the best of his or her ability. 2. Eligibility 2.1 Candidates must meet the prescribed eligibility requirements as set forth by the MAIS Activities Association for athletic participation. To be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities a student must have accumulated four major credits the previous year. Major credits are completed and passed major subjects. An ineligible student may become eligible for the second semester if he or she passed four major subjects during the first semester of the same academic year. An eligible student must be passing four major subjects at the first semester end in order to remain eligible during the second semester. 2.2 Candidates who have been dismissed from the cheerleading squad for disciplinary reasons or quit the squad will be ineligible for the remainder of the cheerleader season and subject to lose eligibility for the next tryouts. A review will be conducted and subject to the coach s and Headmaster s approval. 2.3 Each prospective squad member must be pre-registered for the next school year. In addition, all tuition, raffle tickets, and all other fees must be current before the student may tryout. 2.4 Candidates do not need to be currently enrolled but must be preregistered for the upcoming school year. 2.4.1 Students who have transferred to Sylva-Bay Academy following SBA s tryouts and have tried out and been selected at their previous school are eligible to try-out. 2.4.2 All try-out requirements will be the same. If cuts were made, transfer students must fall into the selected range of the current tryout results for junior high or make the required score for high school. 2.4.3 Exception: If the prospective cheerleader has not already attended a NCA or UCA camp with their previous squad, they must attend camp with Sylva-Bay as scheduled to be eligible for this cheer term. 1
2.5 Each candidate must turn in a written certification by a medical doctor stating that she/he has passed a physical examination and is capable of cheering without restriction. Physical examinations that are conducted at Sylva-Bay are acceptable. Any student absent on the day of school physicals must obtain certification at their own expense. 2.6 All paper work must be completed and turned into the Varsity coach by the specified due date. NO late entries will be accepted 3. Tryouts 3.1 Each prospective squad member will be required to fully complete and turn in the following items prior to try-outs. a. Student Athletic Consent Form b. MAIS Concussion Information Form c. Cheerleader Selection and Guideline Form d. 2017-18 Student Application for Enrollment e. $10.00 try-out fee 3.2 The candidates will perform a cheer, chant, dance, and jumps. A display of gymnastic ability is encouraged. (Cartwheel, round-off, back handspring, etc.) Material will be taught in clinics prior to try-outs. Each candidate must know the material to try-out. Try-outs are mandatory. 3.3 Try-outs are closed. Only coaches, judges, score tabulators, and the headmaster or athletic director are permitted in the gym during try-outs. 3.4 Each candidate must wear hair pulled away from the face, tasteful makeup, and no jewelry or gum. Any violation will result in a deduction of points. 3.5 Each candidate needs to wear a solid white shirt and royal blue shorts for try-outs. No items may show previous cheer participation with the exception of shoes. 3.6 All Varsity candidates must score 70% of the total possible score to make the squad. The Junior High squad will be determined by a definitive break in the total scores. Sample score sheets will be provided at cheer meeting. 3.7 A panel of two or more independent qualified judges, selected by the Headmaster and the coach(s), will select the squads and will determine the size of the squad based upon the participants score sheets. Judges for try-outs will be individuals representing one or more of these groups. a. Professional instructors from various cheerleading companies b. Local college cheerleaders c. Advisors and coaches within Mississippi 3.8 Results will be posted on the cheer page of the school website and sba cheer facebook page following tryouts. www.sylvabayacademy.com 2
4. Membership 4.1 All information and schedules are online at the cheer page of the school website. It is the responsibility of the cheerleader and parents to check daily and remain up to date on squad information. 4.2 In addition to the website, correspondence is provided throughout the year via email. It is important to keep a current email address on file for the cheerleader and parent to receive notifications. 4.3 The members chosen for the squad will retain their position and maintain the standards set forth in this constitution for the entire school year unless recalled from their positions for morality or academic reasons or for not fulfilling responsibilities set up in this constitution. Failure to do so may result in loss of title (captain or co-captain) and/or dismissal from the squad. 4.4 Any member threatening the safety of another cheerleader will be dismissed from the squad immediately. 4.5 It is mandatory that each squad member will cheer at all football games. They will participate in all squad fundraisers, competitions, promotions, parades and community or charity events assigned. 4.6 Cheerleaders are required to help organize, set up, and clean up after their assigned pep rallies and games. Failure to assist in any of these activities will result in suspension from the next activity. 4.7 Squad members must abide by the rules regarding jewelry set forth by SBA, NCA(National Cheerleading Association),NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) and AACCA(American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators). No jewelry is to be worn at practice or performances. This includes all piercings to ears,naval,etc. Failure to remove jewelry will result in non participation. 4.8 All cheerleaders are required to complete duties assigned each week. Ex. Tattoo sales, program sales, fence signs, locker signs. If not completed, the squad member will not be able to participate in that day s activities. 4.9 All cheerleaders are required to participate in Spirit week. Not participating in spirit week will result in loss of privileges during Homecoming. 4.10 Cheerleaders are required to complete Homecoming posters for players and coaches. Squad members not completing and turning in posters by the assigned date will NOT be allowed to participate in Homecoming activities including pep rally practice, pep rally and game. This will be considered an unexcused absence for each missed event. 3
4.11 Most infractions will result in one verbal warning per season. If a squad member continually has to be reprimanded, they will be written up and may be benched at the coach s discretion. Any time a squad member is benched; they must arrive on time to the game in full uniform and sit with the coach. After two times of being benched, the squad member may be dismissed from the squad at the discretion of the coach. 4.12 Squad members who choose to quit before the end of the year will not be eligible for any awards or recognition for the sport of Cheerleading. 4.13 Additional members may be admitted and allowed to fill regular squad positions in the event a regular cheerleader is unable to perform his/her duties at the discretion of the coaching staff. 5. Attendance Requirements 5.1 Cheerleaders will attend all practices, competitions, and/or events, unless pre-approved by the coaching staff. Practices are NOT optional. You must be present to participate. 5.2 Members must attend at least three periods of the day and have an excused absence for the remainder of the day to participate in that day s activities. 5.3 Unexcused absences from practice or game will result in a one game suspension for each practice or game missed. If a cheerleader has more than two unexcused absences, they will be dismissed from the squad. 5.4 If a squad member is not at practice or unable to practice for any reason other than SBA events, they will be excluded from material reviewed for pep rallies. 5.5 All squad members who are tardy to practices or games will be required to do 10 pushups for every minute past scheduled time and will be required to be completed the same date. 5.6 All squad members will wear the assigned practice clothing. Cheerleaders out of practice uniforms will have to run laps. 5.7 All cheerleaders are required to attend summer camps and clinics as a team. Any camp or lessons designated by the coaching staff for training or skills development is mandatory. The coaching staff will make final decision on dates, location, and type of camp the squad will attend. 5.8 If a cheerleader is unable to participate due to injury, they are still part of the squad and are required to attend all practices, games, activities and assignments unless excused by the coach. Cheerleaders will be required to submit written permission from a physician in order to return and participate. 4
5.9 Parents or Guardians are responsible for transportation to and from the away games, camps, competitions, etc. Cheerleaders or their friends may not be the driver responsible for transportation to or from the event. If assistance is needed, please notify the coaching staff in ample time to make travel arrangements. Failure to comply with transportation rules results in non participation for scheduled event and counted as an unexcused absence. 5.10 Practices 5.10.1 All practices are mandatory. Coaches will try to accommodate all activities offered at SBA. However, cheerleading is also a sport and each squad member is essential to practices and performances. A practice schedule will be given and additional practices/meetings may be called at the discretion of the coach. If a practice is called, it is due to necessity and is required the same as scheduled practices. Work and appointments during normal scheduled practices are not valid excuses. 5.10.2 All cheerleaders are to be on time and dressed for practice in designated practice uniform. Tennis shoes are to be worn at all times. Nails must be of athletic length (extending visibly above fingertips). Absolutely NO jewelry or chewing gum. 5.10.3 Kind comments only there is no room for personal conflicts do not bring them to practice or games. 5.10.4 Squad members only are permitted at each practice. Spectators will be allowed only at the discretion of the coaching staff. 5.10.5 All cheerleaders must maintain practice focus. Practices will be productive without distractions. NO cell phones used during practice. Water or rest breaks do not mean cell phone breaks. 5.10.6 Respect of leadership is mandatory. 5.10.7 Do NOT build a stunt or pyramid without a coach present. 5.10.8 Do NOT leave practice without the coach s permission. 5.10.9 The direction, instruction, and decisions of the coaching staff are final. 6. Financial Responsibilities 6.1 Team members will assume the cost of the following items: Uniforms, shoes, socks, briefs, body suits, warm-ups, accessories, and any additional items as determined by the coaching staff. An estimated cost sheet will be provided prior to try-outs. 5
6.2 Varsity squad members are required to participate in all activities regarding fundraising that will be applied to offset uniform costs. Failure to assist in fundraising activities could result in non-participation for applicable events. 6.3 Camp expenses (camp and clothes) are the individual s responsibility. 6.4 Damaged, out-grown, lost or stolen pieces of the squad uniform will be the responsibility of the squad member s parents. Cheerleaders will turn in, at the end of the term, all uniforms and supplies bought through the cheerleader fund. Any necessary repair or replacement cost to these items will be the parent s responsibility. 6.5 If a team member quits or is dismissed from the team, no refunds will be given. 6.6 Payment for uniform and camp does not guarantee cheer participation. Participation on the squad is based on grades, attitude, effort, and dedication displayed by the squad member. 7. Conduct 7.1 Team members are required to maintain and uphold the reputation of the squad through their own conduct and team spirit. No drinking, smoking, use of illegal substances or foul language will be tolerated. Any student found participating in the use of drugs or alcohol during the season will be removed from the squad on the first offense. Any other infractions, the student will receive an event suspension on the first offense and removal from the team on the second offense. 7.2 Conduct and morality as stated in the constitution applies to ALL social networks as well. No inappropriate pictures, posts, reposts, status, tweets or re-tweets, etc. Ex. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat, etc. This is not limited to but includes bullying, foul gestures, insinuation or participation of alcohol or drug use, lewd movements, sexually oriented or provocative pictures or posts, etc. Basically, if you think your coaches, grandparents or preacher wouldn t approve~ Don t do it! Squad members will receive a written warning on the first offense and removal from the team on the second offense. 7.3 When in SBA cheer attire, cheerleaders are expected to be on best behavior. No inappropriate behavior will be tolerated. This includes but not limited to social media, public displays of affection, inappropriate gestures or language and fighting, and/or residing on opposing team s side. Infractions committed in uniform or SBA cheer attire result in non participation for remainder of event and/or next scheduled event. 7.4 Cheerleaders are required to be courteous, polite, friendly, and try to have a smile for everybody. 7.5 All cheers and chants shall follow a positive and sportsmanlike manner. 6
7.6 Cheerleaders will make every attempt to ignore or dissuade negative responses at events and not become involved in such actions themselves. 7.7 Each member should be willing to cooperate with the other members and be helpful to their coach and captains at all times. 7.8 All squad members must be prepared. Failure to bring all necessary equipment and materials to pep rallies, games, practices, and functions will result in physical training tasks or non-participation at the coach s discretion. 7.9 All cheerleaders are expected to execute duties assigned by the coaching staff. 7.10 Cheerleaders are expected to follow school rules as stated in Sylva-Bay Academy s student handbook. Violation of any school rule or any action that tends to leave a bad impression upon the general public will subject the cheerleader to disciplinary action. 8 Games 8.1 Attendance is mandatory. If a squad member is to miss a game for any reason other than a doctor s excused illness, a 1-week notification is required for the absence to be considered by the coach as excused. (Emergencies excluded) If it is not an emergency or illness and a week s notice has not been given, then it will be automatically considered an unexcused absence and will result in a game suspension. 8.2 Cheerleaders are required to be in full, neat, and clean uniforms with their hair completely up in a ponytail or braids, and without jewelry or chewing gum. Squad members should apply make-up tastefully and wear clear nail polish only. Uniformity is key. If you are missing a piece or pieces and are unable to get it or borrow it, it will be left up to the coach s discretion of participation eligibility. 8.3 On game days, all squad members must be coordinated in matching outfits. Team warm-ups are the only authorized cold weather wear. 8.4 Each cheerleader must be back on the field to resume cheering before the team returns from half time. If not, the cheerleader will be required to sit out with the coach for a designated time period the coach feels appropriate. 8.5 We will always show courtesy to the opposing team or different squads at camp. 8.6 Pre game ceremony conduct: All members in a straight line at attention. Failure to abide by rules below will result in cheerleader sitting with coach for a time set at their discretion. 8.6.1 Invocation: Hands are clasped behind the back, head bowed, NO Talking, laughing or fidgeting. 8.6.2 National Anthem: Left arm behind the back and Right hand over heart. NO Talking, laughing or fidgeting 7
8.6.3 Injuries: Take a knee. Be respective and quiet. At no time will a cheer be led while a player is down on the field. 8.6.4 Cheerleaders will maintain formations on the sidelines. 8.6.5 Cheerleaders will not gather in groups during the times they should be cheering. 8.7 Cheers are taught in practice not on the sidelines. Develop a large repertoire of cheers and chants so that there is no long silent interval during any game. Be certain that words or gestures do not inflame the crowd. You are responsible to promote positive crowd response. 8.8 Cheerleaders will use appropriate cheers and chants at the appropriate time. Follow the captain and/or coach s direction. Concentrate on the game and know what is happening. 8.9 Friends, boyfriends/girlfriends and family members will not be allowed to sit with or be on the sidelines with the cheerleaders during the game. Conversations are not to be conducted over the fence during game time. 9. Selection of Cheerleader Captain and Co-Captain 9.1 The position of captain should be decided based on: leadership abilities, organization, responsibility, knowledge and maturity. Captains will be selected as follows: 9.1.1 Squad member must have been a SBA cheerleader the previous year before try-outs. 9.1.2 Selections will be made from the highest-grade level eligible. 9.1.3 In the event that there is only one candidate eligible for captain, that candidate will be the cheerleader captain. 9.1.4 The captain will be selected based on three categories: Tryout score, Squad Vote, and GPA. 9.1.5 Each candidate will receive a point value for each category based on the number of candidates eligible; ranked from lowest to highest. Ex: Four candidates eligible the candidate with the highest score will be given a 4. 9.1.6 The candidate with the highest point value will be captain. The candidate with the second highest will be co-captain. 9.1.7 In event of a tie, the candidate with the highest try-out score will decide the winner. In the event of a two-way tie for top overall score, the decision will be two co-captains only. Example: There are four seniors eligible for the captain position Candidate Tryout Score Vote GPA Final Score Lisa 4 3 3 10 Jill 2 1 1 4 Ann 1 2 4 7 Sue 3 4 2 9 Lisa will be Captain and Sue will be Co-Captain 8
10. Leadership Responsibilities 10.1 Captain 10.1.1 It is the responsibility of the captain to model appropriate behavior and work ethics, as well as address issues with other team members as they may arise. It is the responsibility of the captain to act as peacemaker in case of disagreements. 10.1.2 It is the responsibility of the captain to serve as liaison between the coaching staff and the team. The captain must show no partiality within the squad. 10.1.3 The captain must be at practice early and start practice on time. Captains must have working knowledge of material to be able to lead practice. Repetitive tardiness or not being prepared will result in forfeiture of leadership position. 10.1.4 It will be the responsibility of the captains to assist in setting cheers and chants to be used at games and events. The team should make suggestions, but the decisions shall be the captains. 10.1.5 Captains call all cheers and chants. It will be the responsibility of the captain and co-captain to keep the crowd cheering and the squad in proper formations. 10.1.6 The captain understands that the coach, prior to notifying team members, must first approve all decisions or plans. 10.1.7 In the event the captain is not performing their duties or exhibits poor or disrespectful behavior, the co-captain will replace the captain and the coach will select a new co-captain. 10.2 Co-Captain 10.2.1 In the absence of the captain, for whatever reason, the co-captain will assume all captains duties. 10.2.2 It is the responsibility of the co-captain to aid in the enforcement of any policy governing the squad, offering assistance, opinions and/or advice. 10.2.3 The co - captain must be on time for practices and games. Co- Captains must have working knowledge of material to be able to assist captain at practice. Repetitive tardiness or not being prepared will result in forfeiture of leadership position 10.2.4 The co-captain understands that the coach, prior to notifying team members, must first approve all decisions or plans. 10.2.5 In the event the co-captain is not performing their duties or exhibits poor or disrespectful behavior, the coach will replace the co-captain. 9